Examining the history and background of intangible assets

Examining the history and background of intangible assets In the majority of 20th century, tangible assets is considered to be the main source of the commercial value, which include fixed asset such as buildings, land, manufacturing as well as financial assets such as bonds and their valuation. They were shown in the financial statement after valuation which is based on their cost and/or outstanding value. However, it is not mean that people do not recognize or pay any attention on intangible assets, though the specific value of intangible assets is not clear and recorded in the balance sheet. Even now, the priority companys evaluation on profitability and performance is still focus on those assets excluding intangible assets, for example, predicting return on investment, evaluating the value of fixed assets or equity. Because there are no recording value of intangible assets in the accounting book, they are not included in price relative measurements as well, such as price and book value ratio. But in the last 25 years of this century the awareness of creating value for the shareholders changed dramatically, people start to keep eyes on intangible assets and their valuation. Though people do not pay so much attention on the benefit from intangible assets, it is not mean that management of the company are not aware of the importance of such assets. It seems that most of successful businesses are due to successful corporate management of intangible assets such as brands, patents, technology and employees, but still lack of explicit valuation on such assets. Their values are summarized in the whole value of the assets, no any recording Independently. The owners of some major brands, such as Coca-Cola, Procter Gamble and Nestle did do some actives to protect their intangible assets and recognized the importance of their brand, but there were still not intentions on intangibles on the stock market to substitute for investors concerned about their assessment of the value develop from tangible assets. We will discuss some important cases below with evidences to support what I have said above. So this report will trace the history and background of intangible assets(Brands mainly) to look for the answer why intangible assets(Brands mainly) should be recorded Independently in financial report and analysis the benefits by using cases in practice. We will also discuss the manners of brands valuation and the benefits. Those two main contents will be discussed Independently and both are focus on theory and practice. The date and information are researched form internet and some related books. A table will be quoted with proper referencing(see reference). Introduction Structure of the report The main body of the report is consist of six chapters. In chapter one, introduction In chapter two, the theory on reporting brands In chapter three, Benefit from brands in practice In chapter four, The social value of the brand In chapter five, The theory on brand valuation manners In chapter six, the function of brand valuation in practice In chapter seven, conclusion In chapter one, it is about the theory of intangible assets under IAS 38 and FASB. Including, the definition of intangible assets by IAS 38, manner of recognition and measurement of intangibles, useful life of intangibles. It will illustrate gradually which types of intangibles should be recognized on the financial statement and how to valuate from the basic knowledge point. A brief introduction to the theory of three main valuation approaches (income approach, market approach and cost approach) will be involved. In chapter two, I will using three UK companies (Coca-Cola, Amazon and Sony Ericsson ) in different sectors as case studies to show the application of theory to practice and also get feedback by compare those company approach of intangible assets. Aiming to find out the what is the effect recording intangibles in the financial statements has on the interpretation of corporate financial performance. Get the manner how to maintain the asset value of companies brands. In chapter three, I will try to indicate several recommendations base on above expound. Assuming suggest the historical cost of intangible assets are disclosed on the corporate balance sheets while the fair value of intangible assets to be disclosed in financial statements to enable enterprises to reflect a more complete and realistic accounting information. Background to the topic Acquired the brand in the late 20th century, waves of 80 caused a great deal of goodwill accounting standards, the majority can not be a reasonable approach to handling the economy. Transactions led to the goodwill accounting in the debate on the balance sheet, including Nestle Rowntree, United Biscuits acquisition and divestitures Kebler purchase, the Metropolitan made Pillsbury and Danones acquisition of Nabisco European business. The so-called goodwill accounting practice does not involve the growing importance of intangible assets, with the company to make acquisitions they think the punishment is valueenhancing results. They either face the profit and loss account (income statement), or they had to write off the amount of reserves and the end of the acquisition of the asset base than ever before in many cases a large number of lower amortization expense. In countries such as Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand is still possible to recognize the acquisition of identifiable intangible brand value, and proposed the acquisition of these companies balance sheet. This helps solve the problem in good faith. Then, as the brand recognition of intangible assets used by a gray area of accounting, at least in the United Kingdom and France, so companies do not encourage including a balance sheet on the brand, but not unable to do so. In the mid-80s, Reckitt Colman, the British firm, to its Airwick brand, which recently acquired the balance sheet value; major metropolitan area and Smirnov did not brand it as part of the acquisition, with Heublein. At the same time, some newspaper groups to its acquisition of the rise of their balance sheet value. To the late 80s, on the balance sheet was the understanding of brand value within the company led to valuable financial assets, internally generated brands, similar recognition. 1988, Rank Hovis McDougall (RHM), the UKs leading food group, to play their brand of power heavily in the successful defense of Goodman Field Wattie (GFW) hostile takeover bid. RHMs defense strategy includes an exercise to demonstrate the value of RHMs brand portfolio. This is the first to establish an independent brand value, the value of this is possible, not only when they acquired the brand, and when they were created by the company itself. Successfully resisted the bid GFW, RHM in its 1988 financial accounts of the value of all internally generated intangible assets, and get the brand on the balance sheet. In 1989, the London Stock Exchange approved the concept of brand valuation allowed by the RHM shareholders approved the acquisition of intangible assets included in class test. This proved to be a major wave of consumer products companies to promote brand awareness to their balance sheets as intangible brand value. In the UK, including Cadbury, city (when it is 50 billion purchase of Pillsbury), Guinness, Li Bo (when it acquired the Hilton), and United Biscuits (including Smiths brand). Theory on reporting brands The FASB and other accounting bodies have stated that the financial reporting should provide information: that is useful to potential investors and creditors and other users in making rational investment, credit, and similar decisions; that helps current and potential investors, creditors, and other users in assessing the amounts, timing, and uncertainty of prospective cash receipts and net cash inflows to the enterprise; and that describes the economic resources of an enterprise, the claims to those resources, and the effect of transactions, events, and circumstances that change its resources, and claims to those resources (Nearon, 2003). Today, including Louis Vuitton, LOreal, Gucci, Prada and PPR many companies have recognized the acquisition of their balance sheet brand. Some companies already use the brand value and provide historical performance indicators as a financial brand value, as an investor relations tool, the balance sheet of their brand identity. In accounting standards, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand have been allowed to acquired range of leading brands in the balance sheet, and provide information on how to deal with detailed guidelines of goodwill acquired the road. In 1999, the UK Accounting Standards Boards FRS 10 and 11 of the acquired goodwill in the balance sheet treatment. International Accounting Standards Board and International Accounting Standard 38, after the suit. In the spring of 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Board released 141 and 142, giving up centralized accounting and laying about recognition of acquired goodwill in the balance sheet of the detailed rules. There are indications that most of the accounting standards, including international and British Standards, will ultimately converted to the U.S. model. This is because most of the U.S. capital markets to raise capital or business in the United States must abide by international companies with account ing principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). All the main provisions of these accounting standards, the acquisition of goodwill needs to be used on the balance sheet and amortized in accordance with its service life. However, if the brand can claim unlimited life intangible assets not subject to amortization. Instead, companies need to be tested for impairment annually. If the value is higher than the initial valuation of the same or higher in the balance sheet value of assets remains unchanged. If the impairment of the value of low, need to write the assets down to a lower value. The recommended method of valuation is the discounted cash flow (DCF) and the market value approach. Valuation of the need for business unit (or subsidiary), generated revenue and profit performance. Once the acquisition accounting treatment of goodwill is to improve financial reporting for intangible assets such as brand an important step. It is still not enough, because only with goodwill recognized and reported in detail down to a minor footnote account. This has led to distortions, McDonalds brand and does not appear in the companys balance sheet, even though it is estimated to be about 70 percent of total stock market value (see Table 2.1), but the Burger King brand recognition of the balance sheet . There is still a quality brand is recognized in the balance sheet valuation. While some companies use a brand specific valuation methods, other less sophisticated valuation techniques, often doubt values. Financial report on the introduction of line is a long-term enterprise value of the real debate is likely to continue, but if there greater consistency, greater brand assessment approaches and the report of the brand values, corporate asset value will become more transparent mu ch. Benefit from Brands in practice The growing awareness of the value of intangible assets, with companies in the gap between book value and stock market valuations are increasing and the market value of these shares in the merger and acquisitions in the late 80s surge of premium paid. Now, it may be argued that, in general, mostly from the derived value of corporate intangible assets. Asset Management attention will undoubtedly greatly increased. The brand is a special kind of intangible assets, in many enterprises is the most important asset. This is because the economic impact of the brand. They affect the choice of customers, employees, investors and government agencies. In the world of abundant choices, this effect is a commercial success and the key to shareholder value creation. Even as a non-profit organizations have begun to embrace receive donations, sponsors and volunteers the key assets of the brand. Some brands also show a remarkable durability. The worlds most valuable brand, a Coca-Cola is more than 118 years, and the worlds most valuable brand, the majority of more than 60 years. Compared with surviving a string of different business owners, estimated to be 25 years or so.2 average life expectancy of many brands. A number of studies attempt to estimate the contribution of brands to shareholder value. In Interbrand and JP Morgan, a correlation (see Table 2.1) concluded that the average brands account for more than a third of shareholder value. Research shows that brand and create significant value both as a consumer or business brand or both. More than 70 percent of McDonalds shareholder value, brand accounts. Coca-Cola brand accounted for 51 percent of Coca-Cola stock market value. While this is true, the company has other drinks, such as Sprite and Fanta brands of large-scale combinations. Harvard University researchers and South Carolina3 and the Best Global Brands list in the select company Interbrand4 show that companies with strong brand is better than respect for the market in a number of indicators. It also shows that a portfolio from the worlds best brand, brand value was significantly higher than the weighted implementation of the MSCI World Index and the Morgan Stanley Capital International to focus on the S P 500 index better. Today, the key and leading enterprises in the management of intangible assets. For example, the Ford Motor Company to reduce investment in intangible assets, tangible benefit of its asset base. In the past few years, it has spent more than 12 billion U.S. dollars acquisition of Jaguar and other famous brands The social value of the brand The economic value of the brand, its owner is now widely accepted, but their social value is not very clear. Brand building to do any other value than all of them is the value that they create large social costs? 7, the popularity of global brands, so many brands around the world the focus of discontent. They believe that as a brand and exploiting workers in developing countries between the homogenization of culture and other issues directly linked. In addition, the brand has been accused of stifling competition, sully, to encourage monopoly and limit consumer choice of the capitalist system of the United States and Germany. On the contrary argument is that brands create substantial social as well as increasing competition as a result of the economic value of improving product performance and brand owners on the stress behavior of socially responsible way. The basis of race performance, and price, this is the nature of brand competition, and promote product development and improvement. And there is evidence that the promotion of companies than others in their class to do their own brands more often be more innovative in their respective categories. A European brand Association8 European PIMS study showed that fewer brands of products launched less significant investment in the development of small and less than rival brands of product advantages. Almost all of the non-branded half of the sample, compared to product development, nothing more than a brand less than a quarter samples. Though 26 percent of non-branded producers of new products have never made an important, a figure far below a collection of seven percent for the brand. Need to keep the brand relevant R D promotion, increased investment, leading to product improvement and development of the ongoing process. Brand owners are responsible for their quality and brand products and services, and their moral behavior. As the business from the brand value and sales and stock price, the potential costs of the act is far greater than any benefit directly immoral, than the monitoring costs and business ethics. A number of high profile brands have been accused of unethical behavior. Interestingly, these are already developing voluntary codes of conduct and internal control systems use some of the brand. This is not to say that these brands have been successful elimination of the unethical business practices, but at least show their will to address this issue. The gap between the companys more honest to admit that they have the moral behavior of the bridge, they will appear more credible. Nike, a number of suppliers in developing countries, the employment system of the criticism of a company, now post the results and factory workers www.nikebiz.com external audit and interview. The concerns of multinational companies is understandable, taking into account a 5% drop in sales of brand value may result in the loss of more than one billion U.S. dollars. It is in their economic interests of the clear moral. Theory on Brand Valuation Manners Some have always attached importance to the economic value of the degree of brand and other intangible assets, but it is only established in the late 80s the valuation methods may be fairly claim to understand and assess the specific value of the brand. Of: on a single brand values is now widely accepted. For those concerned with accounting, transfer pricing and licensing agreements, mergers and acquisitions valuebased management, brand valuation plays a key role in business today. Brand Valuation approach Unlike such as stocks, bonds, commodities and real estate assets, there is no brand value, will provide similar active market. Therefore, to reach an authoritative and effective way, to the growing number of brand evaluation model. Most fall into two categories: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ research-based brand equity evaluation, and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ purely financial-driven approach (1) Research-based approach There are numerous brand equity model, using consumer research to assess the relative performance of the brand. Not to the brands financial value, but they measure consumer behavior and attitudes, there is a brand of economic performance. Although these models are complex and complexity vary, they all tried to explain, explain and measure the impact of consumer behavior point of view. They include: 1, such as different levels of knowledge (foreign aid, finance, spiritual), knowledge, familiarity, relevance, specific image attributes, purchase consideration, preference, satisfaction, perceptions and recommendations of the wide range of measures. Some models add, such as market share and relative price behavior measures. Through different stages and the depth of the statistical model, which measures whether a rank order, to provide from the barrier, leading to a conscious choice and purchase, or relative of their overall consumer concepts, provide an overall score or measure brand equity. A combination of indicators of a change or expected to affect consumer behavior, which in turn would affect the financial value of the brand. However, these methods do not distinguish between, such as other influential factors, design and brand development. Therefore, they did not provide specific sales targets and between the financial performance of the brand a clear link. A strong brand can be the basis of these indicators, but still can not create a financial and shareholder value. Understanding, interpretation and measure of brand equity is essential to assess the brands financial value. After all, they are the key to consumer purchase behavior measures, given the success of the brand. However, unless they are an economic model, they are not sufficient to assess the economic value of the brand. (2) Financial-driven approach Cost-based approach is defined as all historical or replacement costs incurred, so that the current state of the brand needs a brand value of aggregation: in development costs, marketing costs, advertising and other communications costs combined, and so on. These methods fail because there is no direct correlation between financial investment and increase the brand value. Financial investment is the establishment of an important component of brand value, as long as it is targeted effectively. If not, it may not make a difference in beans. Investment demand significantly exceeded the advertising and promotion, including research and development, employee training, packaging and product design, retail design. Factors in brand valuation (1)Comparable. Another method is to reach a whole new thing on the basis of comparison value. However, comparability is difficult in the case of the brand, because, by definition, they should be differentiated, so are not comparable. In addition, in the same category of brand value creation can be very different, even though most other areas, such as the target groups basic business, advertising expenditures, price promotion and distribution channels are similar or identical. Comparable offers an interesting cross-examination, but, even if they can not rely solely on brand valuation. (2)Premium price. In the premium price method, the value of the net premiums of the present value of future price of a brand without the brand through a common command or equivalent. However, the main purpose of many brands is not necessarily to obtain higher prices, but to ensure the highest level of future demand. The value of these brands is to ensure the future generation, rather than the protection of a premium. This applies to a number of durable and non-durable consumer goods. This approach is flawed, because one of the few common brands can compare the premium price equivalents. Today, almost everything is brand, and in some cases can serve as a store brand as a brand producers charge the same or similar prices strong. Competition between brands and product price differentials can be indicators of its strength, but it will not be the only and most important value contribution to the basic operations of a brand. (3)Economic use. This is a driver of brand equity measures or means of financial measures to a complete lack of any financial or marketing component to provide a brand of integrity and strong economic valuation. Economic use method, which in 1988 developed a combination of brand equity and financial measures, and has become the most widely recognized and accepted brand valuation method. It has been used for over 3500 worldwide brand valuation. Economic use is based on the basic marketing and financial principles: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Marketing principles related to business functions, the implementation of the enterprise brand. First, the brand will help create customer demand. Customers can be individual consumers and businesses under the Consumer The nature of the business and purchase conditions. Customer demand into income through the purchase quantity, price and frequency. Second, brand loyalty and long-term security by buying customers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ related to the financial principles for the future expected net profit, widely used in the commercial concept of present value. The brands future earnings to determine, and then discounted to net present value of the discount rate, reflecting the risk of achieving these gains. Brands valuation steps In order to capture a complex brand value creation, take the following five steps: 1. Market segmentation. Customer brand choice, but the influence of different brands in the market determined the operation. Split brand and market access of non-overlapping homogeneous consumer groups, such as by product or service, sales channels, consumption patterns, purchasing maturity, geography, existing and new customers for the standard, and so on. The value of the brand in each segment and the segment of the valuation of the sum constitutes the total value of the brand. 2. Financial analysis. To identify and forecast revenue and generated by the brand established in step 1 for each different part of the intangible benefits. Intangible income is income minus operating costs, the brand, the use of the applicable tax rates and the cost of capital. This concept is similar to the concept of economic profit. 3. Needs analysis. Assess the role of the brand to play in the promotion of products and markets, the demand for business services, and determine what proportion of intangible earnings is measured as an indicator of the brand is called by the brands target role. This is done by first identifying the business needs of a variety of brand drivers, and then determine to what extent each driver is directly affected brands. The role of branding index represents the brand produced by the percentage of intangible earnings. Proceeds from the sale multiplied by the brand index of the role of intangible benefits. 4. Competitive benchmarking. Decided competitive advantage and disadvantage in brand specific brand derived discount rate, reflecting the expected future earnings of their risk profile (which is measured by an indicator known as the brand strength score). This includes a wide range of competitive benchmarking and market the brand, stable leadership, trends, support, geographic footprint and legal protective structure evaluation. 5. Brand value. Brand value is the net present value of brand earnings, discounted by the brand discount rate forecast (NPV). Net present value calculation includes both the forecast period and a later period, reflect the brands future ability to continue to generate income. A brand valuation of the market in a hypothetical example is shown in Table 2.2. This calculation is a useful model of brand value in various situations, such as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Forecast market and investment strategies; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Identify and evaluate the communication budget; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ calculate the return on investment on the brand; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ assess the opportunities, lack of new or developing markets; and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ tracking brand value management. The function of brand valuation in practice The application of brand valuation has been greatly expanded since its founding in 1988, it is the most strategic use of marketing and financial decisions. There are two main types of applications: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Strategic brand management, brand valuation focused on the domestic audience the tools and process management to improve the economic value of the brand. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ financial transactions, the brand valuation of brand-related transactions with outside parties, all kinds of help. Strategic Brand Management Economic value of brand awareness, increase brand equity for the effective management of demand. In the pursuit of increasing shareholder value, companies are keen to establish the brand in line with other corporate assets, as well as management procedures throughout the company. Simply because the traditional research-based measurements proved to understand and manage the economic value of less than the brand, the company adopted a new management tool brand value. Brand valuation can help them build brand management valuebased system. As creating economic value of brand management and brand of all the key investment decisions. Diverse, including American Express, IBM, Samsung Electronics, Accenture, United States of America, British Petroleum, Duke Energy Corporation and Fujitsu road brand value, to help them re-focus on its branded business, and create a brand decision-making and investment on economic grounds. Many companies are making the brand value of the remuneration of senior marketing managers to create the part of the standard. Brand valuation of these companies find the following help: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ the decision on business investment decisions. By making the brand assets and other tangible and intangible assets, different asset allocation of resources between the types, you can follow the same economic conditions and reasons, for example, capital allocation and return requirements. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Measuring the return on investment on the brand based on brand value in the investment rate of return, you can directly reach relative to other investments. Brand management and marketing service providers, measurable performance goals specifically related to the value of brand equity. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ make decisions on brand investment. By priority according to brand, customer base, geographic markets, products or services, their distribution channels, etc., the brand can spread the cost of investment, influence and determine the cause maximum benefit. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ decision making licensing subsidiary of the brand. A subsidiary of the license will be responsible for the management and use of the brand, and asset management to pay more stringent than the one to be free. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ turn into a profit center, from a cost center, connecting brands and brand marketing ROI (from the subsidiarys brand use fee). The relation between investment, the returns from the brand to become transparent and easy to manage. Remuneration and career development of marketing staff can link to the development and brand value measurement. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ allocation of marketing costs in the interests of the various business units from the brand equity. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Organization and optimization, for example, using different brands in the business (corporate, product and subsidiary brands) according to their contribution to the economic value. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ assess the co-branded initiatives according to their economic benefits and risks to the companys brand value. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ determine the appropriate brand after the merger by a clear economic reasons. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Manage the brand more successfully migrate to a different value of the brand as a better understanding of the results, therefore, nothing to lose or get, if the brand migration occurred. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The brand value of building brand value, providing focused, brand performance on the basis of the best understanding of the measures taken action, the driver scorecards. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ managing a brand portfolio across multiple markets. Brand performance and brand investments to assess the basis of comparison with the same combination from brand to improve the overall return. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ the economic value of brand communication as appropriate to create a capital market to support share prices and financial assistance. Financial transactions Brand valuation of financial applications include the following: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ assessment of the subsidiary companys brand in the fair trade price. Brand royalty income tax return the way you can to the company headquarters. Brand may authorize the international subsidiaries in the United States, subsidiaries in different countries. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ identify the brand of brand equity through brand licensing to third parties the best use of royalty rates. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Capital of the brand balance sheet under U.S. GAAP, international accounting standards and accounting standards in many countryspecific. Brand value is used for both initial and periodic valuation of a derivative of the value of impairment testing. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ establish a brand in the mergers and acquisitions, asset prices and the value of clearly defined brand increasing trade. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ determine the contribution of the brand, a joint venture to establish a joint venture distribution of profits, investment demand and stock. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Use the brand in debt, the economic exploitation of the brand rights for the mortgage securitization facilities. Conclusion As global competition is becoming increasingly severe, and many competitive advantages, such as technology and become more transient, the brands contribution to shareholder value will increase. The brand is a small number of assets that can provide long-term competitive advantages. <

Reducing rape in India

Reducing rape in India In December 2012, a 23-year-old medical student who studied at the University of Delhi, after the movie she went home with her boyfriend. Unfortunately, seven men hit her boyfriend and even worse they gang-raped her on the bus. At last, the student died in Singapores Mount Elizabeth Hospital. This is such bad news. Nowadays, it is a civilized society. However, rape always occurs in the world. For instance, with more than twenty-four thousand reported rape cases in India in 2011, rape registered a 9.2 percent rise over 2010. People have been hurt because of rape. From this likeness, the aim of the research is a wake up call to tell people of the rising trend of rape. In my opinion, rape is a crime that harms others. We should resolutely resist the occurrence of such acts of rape. My research is divided into three sections. First of all, I will define rape. Rape in its simplest form (and the meaning, most people can understand it), is when a man forces a woman to have sex with him. Often this has been done by using either threat or violence. When the victim is mentally incapacitated or impaired, physically impaired, asleep or unconscious. Next, I will compare the laws, womens social status and the government system between India and Singapore. I choose two countries because India often has rape cases and Singapore seldom. Last but not least, I will give some advice through the three aspects of the laws, social status as well as self-protection on how to reduce rape. 2. Data of Rape in India The Wall Street Journal (http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2013/01/08/map-rape-rate-across-india/) The Indian edition of WSJ has come up with this map which shows the rape rate across different states of India.It shows the central region of rape rate up to 8.2 reported cases per 100,000 women. But the north-eastern states as having highest rape rate. The rape rate up to 10.1 reported case per 100,000 women. The notorious Indian capital of Delhis rape rate was 7.4 reported cases per 100,000 women, but it was not the highest. The northern city of Mizoram the rape rate is 14.3 reported cases per 100,000 women which was the highest. According to the survey, with more than 24,000 reported cases in India in 2011, rape registered a 9.2 percent rise over the previous year. In recent years, frightening data from New Delhi has earned the title of rape capital of India. 3. Causes of rape A: Reason for more rapes in India 3.1 Legal loophole According to the survey, rape criminal law sentences people to more than seven years in India and even the death penalty. But Indian law also provides that the offender may be released on bail or pay a fine. Because of this, a lot of the rapists have not been punished. Laws should provide fast track courts to deal with such cases, says Girija Vyas, Chairperson, and National Commission for Women (NCW). According to the survey, the results encourage more people to crime which just a dismal 27 percent of the rape conviction rate in 2006-2007. 3.2 Low status of women in India Women were considered inferior to men in social life. On the one hand, a large part of Indian women are illiterate because their family did not send the girl to school for education. As for women, the literacy rate stands at just 54.16 percent. On the other hand, women were prohibited to take part in domestic as well as in external matters. Indian womens working rate is very low. But the population of working women has risen to 13 percent in 1987. Still, the population of working women just has 25 percent in 2011. Women who smoke, drink, go to bars is considered unethical behavior in India. Acceptance of domestic violence. India is the worlds most serious country for domestic violence. Some women believe that domestic violence is often seen as deserved. The Indian women property cannot be independent rather dependent on men. Level of Indias last name. The vast majority of female government officials come from high-grade surnames. High-grade surname female government officials will no t fight for the right to civilian women. 3.3 The government system India has a sluggish court system which the inefficiency of the court dealing with the case for only 15 judges. It is so surprised that Delhi high court judge deals with the backlog of cases need 466 years. There are not enough police to protect ordinary citizens in India. Leading to difficulties to obtain evidence and spend a lot of time. Even worse, there is a part of the police have been involved in rape. Encouraging rape victims to compromise. For example, a 17-year-old rape victim under the police pressure she got married with the attackers. The reason for this compromise is for keeping the peace between the families or ethnicities. India also lacks public safety. Less than a lot of street lighting in India and lack of public toilets. These are factors that induce rape. B: Reason Less Rape in Singapore 3.1 Strict laws Anyone who commits rape should be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 20 years, and needs to be liable to fine or to cane. The assist will be subjected to the punishment of 8 years and caning with at least 12 strokes. Singapore has improved the police system and the court system to rapid processing of cases. So that people will not dare to violate the law. 3.2 National equality and equality between men and women As Singapore is a multi-ethnic country, equality is the theme of Singapore. Singapore has a special legal protection to equality between men and women. Legal protection of the equal status of women in public places and even in the home. In 2011, for the Gender Inequality Index Singapore received a score of 0.086, placing the country at 8 out of 146 countries with data. 3.3 Geylang-legal prostitution Geylang is Singapores famous Red Light District for legal prostitution. A lot of prostitution through prostitutes who were from Thailand, Malaysia, China for men over there every day. Sex is a basic human so need that a legal red light district providing some basic sexual gratification for men can exist. Being lack of sex, a man has proper ways to solve the problem. They do not need to rape others. Effects of rape Rape is a crime, most of the victims have a greater psychological trauma. But the victims often lack peoples concern and respect. Even victims will be rejected and disgusted. This will cause the victims experience a second victimization. This is a mournful fact. The rape also leads to the AIDS epidemic. Some of the victims of rape and pregnancy. If women use the contraceptive drugs it will reduce the pregnancy rates. If the baby was born, it will add to the victims burden of life and affect the life of the victim. If the city often has rape, it will reduce the peoples sense of security and occurrence of other types of cases. For example: Murder. Solution Revisit the definition of rape and pay attention to the development of accurate laws. Severe punishment to a person who is convicted for rape. Improve the judicial system to reduce procedural delays. Increase legal aid to help the victims. Improve the legal status and rights and interests of women. Women should receive equal education. Women should know how to use the law to protect them. The promotion of womens self-defense skills. The creation of self-defense courses at school. Males have a physical strength advantage over females, but women can use techniques to narrow the gap with men. Both rape victims and rapists are likely to be drunk. Women who are drunk should avoid walking alone at the bar. The 1997 NCVS reports that 35.8 percent of rape victims believe their rapists were under the influence of alcohol. Looking for some drinks alternative to alcoholism help to reduce rape. Conclusion The study focuses on how to reduce rape. In the course of this analysis, I finish by comparing between India and Singapore law, the social status and self-protection of women to get a correct understanding. And trying to find some solutions to reduce rape. Rape is a heinous act which hurts a lot of people. Especially, in some developed countries, rape would be more serious. Therefore, doing research to reduce rape is necessary. The study concludes that the need is improvement of law, improve the status of women in society, to learn self-defense skills and reduce the abusing of alcohol that is an efficient way to solve rape. In my opinion, a safe social environment can be conducive to the development of society. Rape is an important factor affecting social security. If we want a wonderful, safe living environment, we should contribute to reduce rape.

Naturalism in Miss Julie Essay -- Julie

Naturalism in Miss Julie   Ã‚  Ã‚   Writers involved in the naturalist movement believed that actors' lines should be spoken naturally, and that mechanical movements, vocal effects, and irrational gestures should be banished. A return to reality was proposed, with the old theatrical attitudes replaced with effects produced solely by the voice. There was a call to individualise characters, instead of generalising them, to produce characters whose minds and bodies would function as they would in real life. Strindberg's 'Miss Julie' has been said to be an excellent example of this movement, as it involves stress on multiple motivation of action; a departure from the stereotypical depictions of character; and random, illogical dialogue. Strindberg's naturalistic conception of theatre also extends to non-literary aspects of staging such as stage dà ©cor, lighting, and make-up.    Strindberg avoids the regularity of mechanical question and answer dialogue, instead allowing his dialogue to meander, encouraging themes to be repeated and developed over the course of the play. In the preface to the play, Strindberg explains that he has broken with tradition by avoiding "symmetrical, mathematically constructed dialogue." The sexual tension and hidden aggression in the first scene of 'Miss Julie' could be said to be an example of this, especially while the cook Christine is present with Julie and Jean to inhibit the expression of what they really mean. However, it is noticeable that Strindberg's sub-textual dialogue at the start of the play radically changes once the seduction is completed and there is no more to hide. It is then that the dialogue becomes explicit and ceases to meander. An excessively theatrical sce... ...e dialogue has entirely ceased to meander realistically, and it is hard to recognise the play itself as a cornerstone of the naturalistic movement." However, Strindberg's preface to 'Miss Julie' has been heralded as the best manifesto of naturalism written, and the techniques that he advocated such as the removal of intervals and orchestras, the use of real props, and a reduction in theatre size, have come to have strong repercussions in modern theatre.    Bibliography: Brandt, George, Modern theories of Drama: a selection of writings on drama and theatre 1850 - 1990, (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1998) Strindberg, August. Three Plays. England: Penguin Group Penguin Classics, 1958. Styan, J. L., Modern Drama in Theory and Practice:   Vol .2: symbolism, surrealism and the absurd. - Cambridge, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981)   

Philippa Foots Hypothetical Imperatives Essays -- Ethics Kant Philoso

Philippa Foot's Hypothetical Imperatives Philippa Foot finds trouble with the arguments of Kant, who said that it was necessary to distinguish moral judgments from hypothetical imperatives. Although this may have become an unquestionable truth, Foot says that this is a misunderstanding. Kant defined a hypothetical imperative as an action that addresses what "should" or "ought" to be done. He believed that the necessity of performing a certain action was based on other desires. This particular action would only be important if it was beneficial for another reason. It is prudent that a man feel the responsibility to achieve his own wants. However, Kant speaks of a second group of imperatives known as "categorical imperatives." These are actions which are important in themselves, without considerations of any other matter. At a glance it appears that Kant is accurate in saying that moral judgments are categorical imperatives. Perhaps the best way to analyze this is to break down the uses of the words "should" and "ought." For example, consider a man in a business suit looking lost a railroad station on a Friday afternoon. One would point the man to the train that will take the man home, assuming the man in the business suit was on his way home. If however, that man is headed somewhere else, then the statement should be withdrawn. Our should is unsupported. However, the use of should and ought in moral contexts is different. The situation changes if the man being advised is receiving suggestions regarding a moral judgment. An opinion on a moral judgment does not need to be backed up because in essence it is not an opinion. Rather, it is a strict rule in which the considerations of the man do not matter. One need not ... ...w a matter of etiquette or moral judgment without questioning why he must do it, this same man can refuse to follow the rules until a reason to follow is stated. This leaves us with one conclusion, which is best stated by Philippa Foot: Kant and his followers defend having morals in the group of categorical imperatives "are relying on an illusion, as if trying to give the moral `ought' a magic force." Society is losing grip as a result of lacking explanation of moral law. There is no hard evidence backing moral judgment and society is losing touch with doing "what's right." Foot claims that we maintain moral judgments to be categorical imperatives simply because in doing so we are forced to care about the issue. Analyzing this from a broader stance, we are conditioning ourselves to believe in something that will hopefully influence the betterment of society.

Forward the Foundation Chapter 2

2 But Seldon, while he did not forget Amaryl's warning, did not think of it with any great degree of concentration. His fortieth birthday came and went-with the usual psychological blow. Forty! He was not young any longer. Life no longer stretched before him as a vast uncharted field, its horizon lost in the distance. He had been on Trantor for eight years and the time had passed quickly. Another eight years and he would be nearly fifty. Old age would be looming. And he had not even made a decent beginning in psychohistory? Yugo Amaryl spoke brightly of laws and worked out his equations by making daring assumptions based on intuition. But how could one possibly test those assumptions? Psychohistory was not yet an experimental science. The complete study of psychohistory would require experiments that would involve worlds of people, centuries of time-and a total lack of ethical responsibility. It posed an impossible problem and he resented having to spend any time whatever on departmental tasks, so he walked home at the end of the day in a morose mood. Ordinarily he could always count on a walk through the campus to rouse his spirits. Streeling University was high-domed and the campus gave the feeling of being out in the open without the necessity of enduring the kind of weather he had experienced on his one (and only) visit to the Imperial Palace. There were trees, lawns, walks, almost as though he were on the campus of his old college on his home world of Helicon. The illusion of cloudiness had been arranged for the day with the sunlight (no sun, of course, just sunlight) appearing and disappearing at odd intervals. And it was a little cool, just a little. It seemed to Seldon that the cool days came a little more frequently than they used to. Was Trantor saving energy? Was it increasing inefficiency? Or (and he scowled inwardly as he thought it) was he getting old and was his blood getting thin? He placed his hands in his jacket pockets and hunched up his shoulders. Usually he did not bother guiding himself consciously. His body knew the way perfectly from his offices to his computer room and from there to his apartment and back. Generally he negotiated the path with his thoughts elsewhere, but today a sound penetrated his consciousness. A sound without meaning. â€Å"Jo†¦ Jo†¦ Jo†¦ Jo†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It was rather soft and distant, but it brought back a memory. Yes, Amaryl's warning. The demagogue. Was he here on campus? His legs swerved without Seldon's making a conscious decision and brought him over the low rise to the University Field, which was used for calisthenics, sports, and student oratory. In the middle of the Field was a moderate-sized crowd of students who were chanting enthusiastically. On a platform was someone he didn't recognize, someone with a loud voice and a swaying rhythm. It wasn't this man, Joranum, however. He had seen Joranum on holovision a number of times. Since Amaryl's warning, Seldon had paid close attention. Joranum was large and smiled with a kind of vicious camaraderie. He had thick sandy hair and light blue eyes. This speaker was small, if anything-thin, wide-mouthed, dark-haired, and loud. Seldon wasn't listening to the words, though he did hear the phrase â€Å"power from the one to the many† and the many-voiced shout in response. Fine, thought Seldon, but just how does he intend to bring this about-and is he serious? He was at the outskirts of the crowd now and looked around far someone he knew. He spotted Finangelos, a pre-math undergraduate. Not a bad young man, dark and woolly-haired. â€Å"Finangelos,† he called out. â€Å"Professor Seldon† said Finangelos after a moment of staring as though unable to recognize Seldon without a keyboard at his fingertips he trotted over. â€Å"Did you come to listen to this guy?† â€Å"I didn't come for any purpose but to find out what the noise was. Who is he?† â€Å"His name is Namarti, Professor. He's speaking for Jo-Jo.† â€Å"I hear that, † said Seldon as he listened to the chant again. It began each time the speaker made a telling point, apparently. â€Å"But who is this Namarti? I don't recognize the name. What department is he in?† â€Å"He's not a member of the University, Professor. He's one of Jo-Jo's men.† â€Å"If he's not a member of the University, he has no right to speak here without a permit. Does he have one, do you suppose?† â€Å"I wouldn't know, Professor.† â€Å"Well then, let's find out.† Seldon started into the crowd, but Finangelos caught his sleeve. â€Å"Don't start anything, Professor. He's got goons with him.† There were six young men behind the speaker, spaced rather widely, legs apart, arms folded, scowling. â€Å"Goons?† â€Å"For rough stuff, in case anyone tries anything funny.† â€Å"Then he's certainly not a member of the University and even a permit wouldn't cover what you call his ‘goons'. Finangelos, signal through to the University security officers. They should have been here by now without a signal.† â€Å"I guess they don't want trouble,† muttered Finangelos. â€Å"Please, Professor, don't try anything. If you want me to get the security officers, I will, but you just wait till they come.† â€Å"Maybe I can break this up before they come.† He began pushing his way through. It wasn't difficult. Some of those present recognized him and all could see the professorial shoulder patch. He reached the platform, placed his hands on it, and vaulted up the three feet with a small grunt. He thought, with chagrin, that he could have done it with one hand ten years before and without the grunt. He straightened up. The speaker had stopped talking and was looking at him with wary and ice-hard eyes. Seldon said calmly, â€Å"Your permit to address the students, sir.† â€Å"Who are you?† said the speaker. He said it loudly, his voice carrying. â€Å"I'm a member of the faculty of this University,† said Seldon, equally loudly. â€Å"Your permit, sir?† â€Å"I deny your right to question me on the matter.† The young men behind the speaker had gathered closer. â€Å"If you have none, I would advise you to leave the University grounds immediately.† â€Å"And if I don't?† â€Å"Well, for one thing, the University security officers are on their way.† He turned to the crowd. â€Å"Students,† he called out, â€Å"we have the right of free speech and freedom of assembly on this campus, but it can be taken away from us if we allow outsiders, without permits, to make unauthorized-â€Å" A heavy hand fell on his shoulder and he winced. He turned around and found it was one of the men Finangelos had referred to as â€Å"goons.† The man said, with a heavy accent whose provenance Seldon could not immediately identify, â€Å"Get out of here fast. â€Å" â€Å"What good will that do?† said Seldon. â€Å"The security officers will be here any minute.† â€Å"In that case,† said Namarti with a feral grin, â€Å"there'll be a riot. That doesn't scare us.† â€Å"Of course it wouldn't,† said Seldon. â€Å"You'd like it, but there won't be a riot. You'll all go quietly.† He turned again to the students and shrugged off the hand on his shoulder. â€Å"We'll see to that, won't we?† Someone in the crowd shouted, â€Å"That's Professor Seldon! He's all right! Don't pound him!† Seldon sensed ambivalence in the crowd. There would be some, he knew, who would welcome a dust-up with the University security officers, just on general principles. On the other hand, there had to be some who liked him personally and still others who did not know him but who would not want to see violence against a member of the faculty. A woman's voice rang out. â€Å"Watch out, Professor!† Seldon sighed and regarded the large young men he faced. He didn't know if he could do it, if his reflexes were quick enough, his muscles sturdy enough, even given his prowess at Twisting. One goon was approaching him, overconfidently of course. Not quickly, which gave Seldon a little of the time his aging body would need. The goon held out his arm confrontationally, which made it easier. Seldon seized the arm, whirled, and bent, arm up, and then down (with a grunt-why did he have to grunt?), and the goon went flying through the air, propelled partly by his own momentum. He landed with a thump on the outer edge of the platform, his right shoulder dislocated. There was a wild cry from the audience at this totally unexpected development. Instantly an institutional pride erupted. â€Å"Take them, Prof!† a lone voice shouted. Others took up the cry. Seldon smoothed back his hair, trying not to puff. With his foot he shoved the groaning fallen goon off the platform. â€Å"Anyone else?† he asked pleasantly. â€Å"Or will you leave quietly?† He faced Namarti and his five henchmen and as they paused irresolutely, Seldon said, â€Å"I warn you. The crowd is on my side now. If you try to rush me, they'll take you apart. Okay, who's next? Let's go. One at a time.† He had raised his voice with the last sentence and made small come-hither motions with his fingers. The crowd yelled its pleasure. Namarti stood there stolidly. Seldon leaped past him and caught his neck in the crook of his arm. Students were climbing onto the platform now, shouting â€Å"One at a time! One at a time!† and getting between the bodyguards and Seldon. Seldon increased the pressure on the other's windpipe and whispered in his ear, â€Å"There's a way to do this, Namarti, and I know how: I've practiced it for years. If you make a move and try to break away, I'll ruin your larynx so that you'll never talk above a whisper again. If you value your voice, do as I say. When I let up, you tell your bunch of bullies to leave. If you say anything else, they'll be the last words you'll say normally. And if you ever come back to this campus again, no more Mr. Nice Guy. I'll finish the job.† He released the pressure momentarily. Namarti said huskily, â€Å"All of you. Get out.† They retreated rapidly, helping their stricken comrade. When the University security officers arrived a few moments later, Seldon said, â€Å"Sorry, gentlemen. False alarm.† He left the Field and resumed his walk home with more than a little chagrin. He had revealed a side of himself he did not want to reveal. He was Hari Seldon, mathematician, not Hari Seldon, sadistic twister. Besides, he thought gloomily, Dors would hear of this. In fact, he'd better tell her himself, lest she hear a version that made the incident seem worse than it really was. She would not be pleased. 3 She wasn't. Dors was waiting for him at the door of their apartment in an easy stance, hand on one hip, looking very much as she had when he had first met her at this very University eight years before: slim, shapely, with curly reddish-gold hair-very beautiful in his eyes but not very beautiful in any objective sense, though he had never been able to assess her objectively after the first few days of their friendship. Dors Venabili! That's what he thought when he saw her calm face. There were many worlds, even many sectors on Trantor where it would have been common to call her Dors Seldon, but that, he always thought, would put the mark of ownership on her and he did not wish it, even though the custom was sanctioned by existence back into the vague mists of the pre-Imperial past. Dors said, softly and with a sad shake of her head that barely disturbed her loose curls, â€Å"I've heard, Hari. Just what am I going to do with you?† â€Å"A kiss would not be amiss.† â€Å"Well, perhaps, but only after we probe this a little. Come in.† The door closed behind them. â€Å"You know, dear, I have my course and my research. I'm still doing that dreadful history of the Kingdom of Trantor, which you tell me is essential to your own work. Shall I drop it all and take to wandering around with you, protecting you? It's still my job, you know. It's more than ever my job, now that you're making progress with psychohistory.† â€Å"Making progress? I wish I were. But you needn't protect me.† â€Å"Needn't I? I sent Raych out looking for you. After all, you were late and I was concerned. You usually tell me when you're going to be late. I'm sorry if that makes me sound as though I'm your keeper, Hari, but I am your keeper.† â€Å"Does it occur to you, Keeper Dors, that every once in a while I like to slip my leash?† â€Å"And if something happens to you, what do I tell Demerzel?† â€Å"Am I too late for dinner? Have we clicked for kitchen service?† â€Å"No. I was waiting for you. And as long as you're here, you click it. You're a great deal pickier than I am when it comes to food. And don't change the subject.† â€Å"Didn't Raych tell you that I was all right? So what's there to talk about?† â€Å"When he found you, you were in control of the situation and he got back here first, but not by much. I didn't hear any details. Tell me-What-were-you-doing?† Seldon shrugged. â€Å"There was an illegal gathering, Dors, and I broke it up. The University could have gotten a good deal of trouble it didn't need if I hadn't.† â€Å"And it was up to you to prevent it? Hari. you're not a Twister anymore. You're a -â€Å" He put in hastily, â€Å"An old man?† â€Å"For a Twister, yes. You're forty. How do you feel?† â€Å"Well-A little stiff.† â€Å"I can well imagine. And one of these days, when you try to pretend you're a young Heliconian athlete, you'll break a rib. Now tell me about it.† â€Å"Well, I told you how Amaryl warned me that Demerzel was in trouble because of the demagoguery of Jo-Jo Joranum.† â€Å"Jo-Jo. Yes, I know that much. What don't I know? What happened today?† â€Å"There was a rally at the Field. A Jo-Jo partisan named Namarti was addressing the crowd-â€Å" â€Å"Namarti is Gambol Deen Namarti, Joranum's right-hand man.† â€Å"Well, you know more about it than I do. In any case, he was addressing a large crowd and he had no permit and I think he was hoping there would be some sort of riot. They feed on these disorders and if he could close down the University even temporarily, he would charge Demerzel with the destruction of academic freedom. I gather they blame him for everything. So I stopped them. Sent them off without a riot.† â€Å"You sound proud.† â€Å"Why not? Not bad for a man of forty.† â€Å"Is that why you did it? To test your status at forty?† Seldon thoughtfully clicked the dinner menu. Then he said, â€Å"No. I really was concerned that the University would get into needless trouble. And I was concerned about Demerzel. I'm afraid that Yugo's tales of danger had impressed me more than I realized. That was stupid, Dors, because I know that Demerzel can take care of himself. I couldn't explain that to Yugo or to anyone but you.† He drew in a deep breath. â€Å"It's amazing what a pleasure it is that I can at least talk to you about it. You know and I know and Demerzel knows and no one else knows-at least, that I know of-that Demerzel is untouchable.† Dors touched a contact on a recessed wall panel and the dining section of their living quarters lit up with a soft peach-colored glow. Together, she and Hari walked to the table, which was already set with linen, crystal, and utensils. As they sat, the dinner began to arrive-there was never any long delay at this time of evening-and Seldon accepted it quite casually. He had long since grown accustomed to the social position that made it unnecessary for them to patronize the faculty dinners. Seldon savored the seasonings they had learned to enjoy during their stay at Mycogen-the only thing about that strange, male-dominated, religion-permeated, living-in-the-past sector they had not detested. Dors said softly, â€Å"How do you mean, ‘untouchable'?† â€Å"Come, dear, he can alter emotions. You haven't forgotten that. If Joranum really became dangerous, he could be†-he made a vague gesture with his hands- â€Å"altered: made to change his mind.† Dors looked uncomfortable and the meal proceeded in an unusual silence. It wasn't until it was over and the remains-dishes, cutlery, and all-swirled down the disposal chute in the center of the table (which then smoothly covered itself over) that she said, â€Å"I'm not sure I want to talk about this, Hari, but I can't let you be fooled by your own innocence.† â€Å"Innocence?† He frowned. â€Å"Yes. We've never talked about this. I never thought it would come up, but Demerzel has shortcomings. He is not untouchable, he may be harmed, and Joranum is indeed a danger to him.† â€Å"Are you serious?† â€Å"Of course I am. You don't understand robots-certainly not one as complex as Demerzel. And I do.†

Discuss Twain’s use of comparison-contrast in “Two Ways of Seeing a River” Essay

In, Two Ways of Seeing A River, the author, Mark Twain, described his idea of the Mississippi river from two angles or two perspectives and used comparison and contrast to illustrate his points. He first began by using a metaphor in his opening words. He compared to Mississippi river to a language which he had already mastered. However, he said that upon his mastery of the river, he lost something which is his admiration for it when he saw it the last time. Twain described how majestic and how wonderful it was when he first saw the river on a steamboat. He vividly illustrated in the story tiny details like the color of the river during the sunset and the ripples in the water, among others. But when he returned a second time, everything marveled about the river was gone.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Basically, Twain’s comments on the river on the third paragraph were almost the opposite of his comments on the second. It can be then deduced that the author used a block pattern of comparison in his story because he first described his beautiful experiences upon seeing the river the first time before describing his less lively experience on the second time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, Twain’s differing comments on the river basically says that things such as experiences become less exciting or even less fulfilling the second time around. In other words, a man who has already experienced something simply passes by it the next time. In the case of the author in the story, he simply read and observed the Mississippi river rather than marvel at it because he has already seen it before.

Rhetorical Analysis †“Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior” Essay

Parenting is always a debatable topic in America. Every person has an opinion on how a child should be raised and disciplined. In Amy Chua’s â€Å"Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior† (an excerpt from Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother), Chua explains Chinese parenting and how it is effective in her life. She claims that by breaking down a child and pushing them to their full potential, the child will, in turn, be confident and incredibly successful. Through the use of several rhetorical devices, Chua supports, as well as weakens, her claim and expresses a different, controversial way of parenting. An important element in Chua’s argument is her ethos. She is clearly an intellectual individual, given that she is a professor at Yale University. Putting aside her credentials, this essay brings forth a distinct character. From the start, she identifies herself as a tough and strict â€Å"Chinese mother†. Throughout the piece she uses several personal experiences that support this assertion. The reader recognizes a sense of confidence from Chua as she repeatedly contrasts Western-parenting ideals from Chinese-parenting ideals. As far as her credibility as an author, it is questionable. She writes, â€Å" Chinese parents believe that their kids owe them everything. The reason for this is a little unclear†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Her credibility begins to slip when she uses the word â€Å"unclear†. This statement suggests that she does not even know herself why she is parenting the way she is parenting. It also presents a perfect opportunity for opposing people to make an argument against Chua’s style of parenting. Another instance where Chua’s credibility becomes uncertain is when she writes of mimicking her husband when he intervenes in a dispute between her and their daughter. It shows that she is unwilling to listen to the other side of her argument and has this my-way-or-the-highway complex—which is not necessarily an attractive outlook to have. It seems that an author who is open to looking at both sides of an  argument is a more respectable author. Chua’s use of pathos is particularly insensitive. She uses it more to take a jab at Western culture rather than to make an appeal on either side. Several times Chua makes up these hypothetical scenarios and discusses what Western parents would do and then what Chinese parents would do. Her idea of how Western parents react is seemingly dead on but there is a sarcastic tone about it. What is really interesting about her emotional appeal is that she quotes her husband who opposes one aspect of her argument. He says, â€Å"Children don’t choose their parents†¦so it’s the parents’ responsibility to provide for them,† which is an appeal to Western parents. She immediately shuts his argument down but fails to explain why it is â€Å"a terrible deal for the Western parent.† This only weakens her claim because, again, she is not being open-minded. In the end, Chua makes a very general appeal by saying, â€Å"All decent parents want to do whatâ €™s best for their children.† It is confusing because this statement somewhat qualifies her claim. First, she refutes Western parenting, then, comes back to say that Western and Chinese parents are all one in the same in the way that they care for their children. Chua’s motive is unclear. Beyond Chua’s strong opinions, she utilizes statistics and facts in her argument. The statistics at the beginning of the piece describe percentages of Western and Chinese mothers who agreed that â€Å"‘stressing academic success is not good for children’ or that ‘parents need to foster the idea that learning is fun.’† The outcome showed that 0% of Chinese mothers agreed and they, instead, valued the idea of successful children resulting from successful parenting. These types of statistics definitely support Chua’s â€Å"Chinese mother† persona. The statistics also supported her claim of how much time Chinese parents put into helping their children make academic achievements. It is difficult to argue with facts and data, however, Chua does not cite the sources of this data. For all the reader knows, she could have made it up. It may be a more functional logical appeal if the studies she quotes were from a well-known and respected s ource. Chua’s choice of diction reflects possible exaggeration on Chua’s behalf and  confusion for the reader. It makes sense to exaggerate in order to stress the point she is trying to make but it also triggers the reader to doubt and question, which does not help her cause. Referring to her daughter, she writes, â€Å"calling her garbage†¦when she acted extremely disrespectfully toward me.† The idea of someone acting â€Å"extremely disrespectfully† varies from person to person. It is very biased statement. There is no way to interpret how her daughter was really acting. Already having examples of Chua’s ethos from this piece, it is practical to assume she is exaggerating. Chua’s diction is also troubling, especially when she writes, â€Å"All decent parents want to do what’s best for their children.† What are â€Å"decent parents† and what is â€Å"best† for any child? She does not elaborate on these key terms. It is the beginning of an argument on definition. Like in the case of Chua’s exaggeration, there is no way to determine what qualities a good parent has. There is no way for every parent to agree on a list of things that are best for children. Another technique the author uses to get her point across is repetition. Numerous times throughout her essay Chua repeats two words at the beginning of a sentence, â€Å"By contrast†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She is making it very clear that there are differences between Western parents and Chinese parents. This is effective because the reader is constantly reminded that these two types of parents are not comparable in Chua’s mind. There is also a bit of repetition in terms of actions of the author. It seems like there is a cycle of Chinese parenting in her life. She raised her daughters the way her parents raised her. Chua’s father called her â€Å"garbage† when she acted inappropriate and Chua called her daughter â€Å"garbage† when she acted inappropriate. This cycle of Chinese parenting indicates that Chinese culture is unchanging or very hard to change. Overall, through repetition, the reader gets a good sense of contrasting cultures. The intended audience for this argument is an element worth discussing. Chua was most likely aiming this piece specifically at Western parents. The argument is definitely eye-catching to any parent and is compelling enough to spark disagreement. Chua seems to want that reaction because the purpose of her essay was to contrast Chinese parenting and Western parenting and  explain how Chinese parenting is more effective—in her opinion. It almost seems as though she wants to rub it in the faces of Western parents, maybe even spark guilt. The effect she wants to have on her audience may be for them think about her claim and reevaluate their methods of parenting. As mentioned before, Chua claims that by criticizing a child and hammering academic success into his or her brain the child will grow to become a prosperous and confident person. Her purpose gets through to the audience but does not necessarily persuade them. She utilizes rhetorical devices that both support and weaken her argument. Chua’s lifestyle is a result of how she was raised. In a sense, her piece is a great lesson for Western cultures about Chinese culture. Chua may or may not effectively explain why Chinese mothers are superior but, ultimately, she conveys a unique, if not totally outrageous, idea of parenting directed at the average Western parents.